The equestrian program at Mississippi College offers a competitive Varsity Hunt Seat Riding Team and a Horsemanship PE course.

The team looks for both male and female riders of all levels, from beginner riders learning to trot to those competing nationally. All MC students are also welcome to take our Horsemanship PE course.

Team Overview

Program established Fall 2007

25 collegiate riders

16 horses

Competes in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA)

Success at the regional, zone, and national level in IHSA

Facility Overview

36 stall heated barn

100' x 250' covered arena

180' x 280' all-weather footing outdoor arena

Grand prix jumping field

Covered european walker

Large turnout paddocks

15 minute drive from campus

Competitions

The Riding team competes in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA), at local Mississippi Hunter Jumper Association (MHJA) shows, and at regional competitions. At IHSA competitions the team travels to and uses the horses at the host school. Horses are drawn from a hat, and riders do not get a warm-up. IHSA shows are judged solely on equitation, the position of a rider and their ability to effectively communicate with the horse. The level of competition starts at the beginning levels with walk/trot and extends to novice and open divisions, giving all levels of riders the opportunity to compete. At IHSA shows riders compete on horses provided by the host college.

Riders compete in the IHSA as individuals and as a team. Each individual rider can advance to regionals by acquiring a certain number of points. They are then able to advance to zone competitions followed by nationals. Teams compete for ranking in the IHSA in which the top team from each region advance to the zone competition, and the top two teams from each zone advance to nationals. Teams choose one rider from each class whose points will count toward the team's total at each show. These points are accumulated over the show season to determine the top team.

Team Membership and Practice Sessions

Team membership and participation is for the entire academic year. Team members will be required to take two lessons per week during the entire academic year. Lessons are taken on team horses, so riders are not required to bring their own horses (but the option is available). Team lessons are scheduled to accommodate team members' school schedules. Team members competing regularly in the IHSA also receive on additional Travel Team lesson per week. Members can also schedule extra practice rides when available. In addition to lessons, team members participate in meetings, workouts and clinics with nationally renowed judges and trainers.

Horses

Students do not need to bring their own horse in order to ride. Providence Hill Farm and the team provide horses for all levels to take lessons on. Lessoning on many different horses strongly prepares our riders for IHSA competitions. If students would like to bring their horse please contact the coach for information on boarding.

Student Expenses

With support from donors, sponsors, and Mississippi College, MC covers all coaching fees, IHSA membership fees, IHSA entry fees and travel fees for the team. Team members are assessed a small fee each semester to participate on the team. Each team member may also be required to pay for miscellaneous expenses for out of town horse shows.

All students must provide their own riding attire for practice sessions, competitions and lessons. All students are required to ride in an ASTM/SEI certified helmet and riding boots at all times. While our generous sponsors have donated some show items for use by team members, we still strongly encourage each member to purchase their own riding attire when possible.

Course Credit

The university offers a physical education credit to the general population of students. Each team rider will receive one P.E. department credit for each semester of participation.